D&D 5E What gaming aids from previous editions do you still use?

Sacrosanct

Legend

• Feb 21, 2020

• #1

Someone made a comment about how they still use some 2e stuff in 5e. Which got me thinking. Which aids and supplements from previous editions do you still use in your 5e games?

I still use Core Rules 2.0 (from 2e). The map maker and even the encounter builder (hyperlinked to areas in the map) are still very valuable. I just use 5e monster stats instead. If you don't have another tabletop app you use, this is great.

I also use 2e's Creative Campaigning. Well, I've used it so much to learn from that I don't actively break it out, but rather it has a lot of valuable information that is system agnostic and is great advice.

 

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GlassJaw

Hero

• Feb 21, 2020

• #2

I'll go back and take a look at 3ed and 4ed mechanics when I'm designing.

I pull adventures from every edition when I'm DMing.

 

Xeviat

Dungeon Mistress, she/her

• Feb 21, 2020

• #3

I use 4E monsters for ideas on spicing up 5E monsters.

I use a lot of the world building in the 3E DMG, Manual of the Planes, and Deities and Demigods. I use 3E's Heroes of Battle and Heroes of Horror for encounter and campaign design ideas.

I'm gearing up to use the 3E DMG for the magic item economy.

 

SkidAce

Legend

Supporter

• Feb 21, 2020

• #4

 

jasper

Rotten DM

• Feb 21, 2020

• #5

I gave away a lot of my gaming aids a decade or so ago. I just priced a Dragonbone (Dice wand). Ouch almost 300. And the battle mats I see today don't seem to be too hardy.

 

Arilyn

Hero

• Feb 21, 2020

• #6

I mine 4e magic item books for inspiration to create new ones. I also adapt previous edition adventures.

 

Weiley31

Legend

• Feb 21, 2020

• #7

I honestly look and use alot of 1st/2E and 3E for lore and stuff.

If I want Djinn, That one Secret of The Lamp supplement for Al-Qadim 2E.

If I'm running Temple of Elemental Evil, then the original 1E book with the conversion.

Planescape? 2E campaign setting.

Realms Lore/Races/classes(for reflavoring)? Step on up 3E/3.5.

 

Ralif Redhammer

Legend

• Feb 21, 2020

• #8

I use the Manual of the Planes whenever I can find an excuse to. As much as I love extraplanar adventures, I really need to get around to running a Planescape campaign.

Also, when running in the Forgotten Realms, Aurora's Whole Realms Catalog is great. I find the food and drink section to be particularly useful. The various Volo's Guides from that era are also quite handy for inspiration and lore.

 

Last edited: Feb 21, 2020

Zardnaar

Legend

• Feb 21, 2020

• #9

3.5 era battlemats and minis and a couple of d20 splats for worldbuilding.

 

T

Tyler Do'Urden

Soap Maker

• Feb 21, 2020

• #10

World Builder's Guidebook and Dungeon Builder's Guidebook - essential!

D&D Rules Cyclopedia - still my favorite domain and mass combat rules.

Michael Morris' (what ever happened to him, anyway?) 2nd edition Dusk books - he had a great events and timelines generator that is very handy

A Magical Medieval Society: Western Europe and Silk Road

All good stuff to have in your arsenal...